India’s Dominant Performance in 1st ODI: Mandhana’s Century and Sobhana’s Bowling Shine

Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent century and an exemplary bowling display spearheaded by Asha Sobhana highlighted India’s commanding victory over South Africa, as they took a 1-0 lead in the first of three ODIs in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Mandhana’s impressive score of 117, her first century on home soil and sixth in ODIs, came to India’s rescue after an early collapse following their decision to bat first. The team managed to add 166 runs after the loss of their fifth wicket, marking their highest-ever recovery in a women’s ODI, propelling the score from 99 for 5 to 265 for 8. This total proved insurmountable for South Africa, who struggled to cope on a pitch offering variable bounce and turn.

South Africa’s chase stumbled from the start, losing key players Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Anneke Bosch for a mere 33 runs. Brief contributions from Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus couldn’t prevent the collapse, as Asha Sobhana, unfazed on her debut, claimed four wickets, decimating the visitors for just 122 and securing a 143-run win for India.

Early in the Indian innings, Masabata Klaas tempted Shafali Verma into a drive that resulted in a superb diving catch by Sinalo Jafta. Spin introduction during the powerplay reaped rewards for South Africa, with Mlaba dismissing D Hemalatha, India’s new number 3. Mandhana’s timely boundaries at the end of the Powerplay brought India to fifty, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal for 10 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ ill-fated slogsweep left India at a precarious 99/5 after 22 overs.

Despite South Africa’s disciplined bowling and a slowing run-rate, Mandhana partnered with Deepti Sharma to stabilize the innings with an 81-run stand. Although boundaries eluded them for 45 deliveries, they steadily steered India out of trouble. Mandhana, despite struggling with cramps, managed to capitalize on South African fielding errors, including dropped catches and overthrows, which even led to a failed review attempt on her when she was on 75.

Deepti’s inside edge onto her stumps, bowled by Ayabonga Khaka, brought an end to a valuable partnership. Vastrakar, however, continued with intent, hitting a four off her first ball. Mandhana reached the 90s after benefiting from a fielding lapse and soon after, a six over long-on brought up her century. Eventually, Klaas dismissed Mandhana, but her 127-ball knock had already done significant damage. Vastrakar and the tailenders pushed the total to a challenging 265.

India’s bowlers, against expectations, found favorable conditions at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Renuka Thakur bowled Laura Wolvaardt out early, and Vastrakar trapped Anneke Bosch lbw, leaving South Africa at 21/2 after six overs. South Africa’s innings faltered further against India’s spin attack, with Deepti Sharma removing Tazmin Brits. Even experienced players like Kapp and Luus struggled, with Kapp falling to Sobhana’s legspin for 24.

As the chase crumbled, Dercksen’s dismissal on a run-out and Luus’ unsuccessful review against an LBW call ended any hopes for South Africa. Jafta tried to resist but Sobhana dismantled the tail quickly, finishing with remarkable figures of 8.4-2-21-4 on her debut. India’s dominant performance secured them a 143-run victory and crucial championship points.

Brief Scores:

India 265/8 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 117, Deepti Sharma 37, Pooja Vastrakar 31*; Ayabonga Khaka 3-47, Masabata Klaas 2-51) defeated South Africa 122 all out in 37.4 overs (Sinalo Jafta 27*, Marizanne Kapp 24; Asha Sobhana 4-21, Deepti Sharma 2-10) by 143 runs.